It is a great pleasure for me personally and on behalf of the ISLAGE committee to welcome you all to the 3rd International Symposium on Religious Literature and Heritage jointly held by three parties: the Center for Research and Development on Religious Literature and Heritage, Agency for Research, Development, and Training Ministry of Religious Affairs, Post Graduate Program of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, and IRCICA (International Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture) based in Turkey.

A little bit about the Center for Research and Development on Religious Literature and Heritage, we are a center under the Ministry of Religious Affairs whose focus is on scripture and religious heritage. Recently, our activities include studies on the Disaster Mitigation based on Scripture, the assessment of school textbooks on Islamic education, and publication of HERITAGE journal. We welcome our colleagues from IRCICA to conduct studies or publish with us.

We are so privileged that at this present symposium, we are partnered with IRCICA (International Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture) from Turkey whose interest and commitment in the religious art and culture are exceptional. We do hope that this event is a beginning of further academic collaboration, in addition to an opportunity of knowledge and experience sharing through this symposium.

This year, we are holding this international symposium under the theme ‘Religious Cultural Heritage and Literature in Facing Global Challenges’ in the city of Malang, the second biggest regency in East Java. This theme indeed brings about a paradox: religious cultural heritage was oriented in the past, while global challenges orientate in the present and the future. With the current global disruption of Covid-19 pandemic, the discussion on religious and cultural heritage, especially those who relate to the ancient ways of dealing with the similar challenges, found its momentum.

I would like to report that this third ISLAGE symposiums is attended by 12 international invited speakers representing experts on Religious Literature, Cultural Heritage, and Traditional Medication who will share their insightful perspectives on the grand theme of the symposium. The three-day symposium provides 68 parallel speakers from Indonesia, Turkey, Nigeria, United States, Sudan, and Uzbekistan to have stimulating academic dialogue.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to the organizers for their dedication and tireless supports for this event. Also, for invited speakers, panelists and participants for participating in this symposium despite limitations of travel and physical attendance.

Best regards,
Prof. Dr. M. Arskal Salim GP, M.A
The 3rd ISLAGE 2021 Chair